Thursday, September 25, 2008

We had so much fun on the first of three Pasella shoots we did yesterday, together with Aleit Weddings and Okasie! Sarah is doing our first insert and we are so proud of her! We will keep you informed of when to look out for us on Pasella!

Without a doubt, my favorite invitations on the Wedding Paper Divas site are those designed by Joy Deangdeelert Cho of Oh Joy! and Nanauka Joy. She has such a beautiful design sense…one part vintage chic, one part complete sophistication and her line of invitations for WPD is spot on perfection.

Tuesday, September 2, 2008

I often have to search for new quotes to print onto wedding stationery and stumbled accross this lovely one that I would love to share:

"I’ve kissed a guy... I’ve kissed guys. I just haven’t felt that thing.... That thing... that moment when you kiss someone and everything around you becomes hazy, and the only thing in focus is you and this person. And you realize that that person is the only person you’re supposed to kiss for the rest of your life. And for one moment you get this amazing gift. And you wanna laugh and you wanna cry, ‘cause you feel so lucky that you’ve found it, and so scared that it’ll go away all at the same time."Drew Barrymore; from the movie "Never Been Kissed"

Favoured by royalty from the 1700s, silhouettes have been a sign of wealth and status for centuries. Bring this historical art form to life with the most glorious shades of yellow, accented with steel and charcoal greys for the must-have theme of the season.

Mix up a special treat for guests and bridal party alike. Sure to get the party started.

Lemon MargaritaShake 50ml of gold tequila, 25ml of Cointreau and juice of half a lime with cracked ice. Strain and pour into a chilled glass, rimmed with salt crystals.

Looking for a lovebird motif that's more modern than lovey-dovey? We've come across lots of real weddings with unique bird decor.

Catherine and Ben's escort cards were a mix of retro and modern. The old-school silhouette of a lovebird perched on cherry blossoms is updated by the card’s modern tiffany blue and brown colors. See more from Catherine and Ben's wedding.

Laura and Matt’s escort cards had an elegant update on the love bird theme. The cards’ cutout birds feature delicate calligraphy and match the wedding’s pink, champagne and ivory details. Get more ideas from Laura and Matt’s wedding.

Andrea and Rich's escort cards used a bird motif and doubled as extra favors! Guests’ names were attached to the miniature bird's nests and blue Jordan almonds filled the nests to mimic bird eggs and serve as an added treat. See more from Andrea and Rich's wedding.

The two blue blown-glass birds that Sam and Sue used at their wedding make a great less-traditional cake topper and add another unique touch to the funky polka-dot design of the cake. See more from Sam and Sue’s wedding.

Are you using a bird motif on any of your wedding day details? Share your ideas!

Monday, September 1, 2008

Elsje Designs

Hello Stellenbosch!

Change is in the air. Not only have we moved to Stellenbosch, but our focus has also moved from posh events and weddings to limited edition lifestyle décor with a proudly South African touch. Watch this space...

Inspirational Invitations

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Our Website

About Us

We are a couture design company, specializing in creating and styling exclusive event stationery such as invitations, menus, programmes, gift tags, thank-you cards, save-the-date-cards, paper art for special occasions such as weddings, 21st birthdays, wedding anniversaries, birth announcements and personalised stationery. The team consist of 8 dream team members!

Style Notes

Look for Less Tip…Figure out where you place value in your wedding…is it the flowers? the invitations? the food and wine? Then, rearrange your budget so that the emphasis is on what you love…skimp on the rest!

Our favourite photographers

The Design Process

step 1: GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER

Our first consultation is a creative meeting - our goal is to make your dream come true and design stationery that reflects your personality. Design choices including font & calligraphy options, paper, embellishments, ribbon and print techniques will be discussed. A refundable consultation fee of R300 is charged, we assure you that even if you would like to get ideas to make your own stationery, we would gladly share our secrets and give you ideas!

Alternatively, clients can also choose an existing design from our online shop - this is ideal if you are not able to meet with us at the studio.

step 2: QUOTE & DEPOSIT

Within a week we will provide you with a written quote - based on your consultation or online selection. Any additional design time spent, will be charged at our hourly rate of R300. A 50% deposit will be required to initiate the actual design process, based on your quote. Please supplyyour name as reference when you make your deposit.

step 3: ORDER FORM & WORDING SUGGESTIONS

On receipt of your deposit, we will forward an order form and a complete invitation wording manual with guidelines, etiquette and suggestions for you to compile your wording. Design will only begin after we received your completed order form.

step 4: DIGITAL MOCKUP: REVIEW & APPROVE THE PROOF

Based on your briefing we design a digital mock-up which we will e-mail to you. You will then have the opportunity to provide feedback and identify any changes you wish to make. The changes are integrated into a revised version that is submitted for your approval. Your first set of changes are free of charge, further changes will be billed at a fee of R300.00 per hour. Once you have approved the digital proof, Elsje Designs is not responsible for any future changes or mistakes.

step 5: PHYSICAL MOCKUP: FINAL APPROVAL & SIGN-OFF

After you have expressed satisfaction with the digital artwork - the layout, font, spelling and punctuation - we make a physical mock-up. Photographs will be emailed to you or can be signed off at the studio. The first mockup is free, any mockups thereafter will be billed at R250 per mockup.

step 6: PRINT, PRODUCTION & PICK-UP

Upon your final approval of the design, we will order paper and other materials for the production process to commence. We will complete work within 5 to 7 working days of receipt of your approved artwork. The balance outstanding will be due on collection of your stationery or before you arrange collection.